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The ultimate aim is for GCH to be self-sufficient, but this will
obviously take a number of years. At the present time, the crops
on the land are flourishing, and there are plenty of fresh
vegetables for the curries made in the GCH kitchen. It is
situated in the heart of the agricultural community and surplus
crops and milk from the water buffalo is sold. The Home Has
three water sources, and in addition to the water used for the
Home and the land, they are able to sell water to surrounding
farmers.
A few years ago, we ran a ‘Buy a Buffalo Scheme’ and there is
now a large and healthy herd of buffalo in the Dairy Farm which
provides nutritious milk for the children. What was once just a
building plot is now an attractive garden, with colourful
foliage and beautiful flowers. As you walk in through the main
gates, there are the vegetable plots. Here are grown tomatoes,
brinjal (a small purple vegetable used in curries), green
chillies, and a vegetable called ‘ladies fingers’ (which look
something like our runner beans). Further on, and in front of
the Home itself, are the shrubs and flowers. The ‘Buffalo
Family’ are landmen and ladies) too, and they are responsible
for the care of the crops. Large areas of grass have been grown
which is sold as turf. At the edge of the paths in front of the
Home, are fruit trees and along the boundaries are coconut palms
and teak trees which will be sold when mature.
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